United Church of Christ
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love.
Scripture Text | Matthew 2:1-12
Wonderings
1
When is it good to keep secrets? When can it be harmful to tell a secret to others?
2
If you were a Magi, what gift would you bring to Jesus?
Contemplative Movement
Follow the Star
Materials: candle lighter or matches; Advent Wreath with five candles.
Prep: Set an unlit Advent Wreath in an accessible space for children. Light all four Advent Wreath candles and the Christ Candle.
Watch: Ask participants to watch for the heat rising from the top of the flames. Notice how hard it is to see or sense that little funnel of heat.
Ask: How does that little heat funnel know where to go? Why is that heat rising from the candle?
Move: Step away from the candles: Invite everyone to turn into a star, using these prompts: 1. Stretch out wide – like a star – and imagine electricity is shooting out of your toes and fingers. 2. Curl up, imagine a ball of energy swirling, deep inside, curling up to contain it. 3. Stretch out again and send energy shooting out your fingers and toes. 4. Repeat the curl and stretch sequence a couple of times. 5. Close your eyes and follow the energy out – like follow the leader. If you could see the energy shooting out from you, where would it be going? Follow it there. 6. Regroup to reflect and connect.
Reflect:
- How does it feel to have a swirling ball of energy inside? How does it feel to let that energy flow out of you?
- Where does that energy come from?
- How does it feel to follow your inner energy out into the world around you?
Creative Project
Color Your Stars
Materials: paper, coloring materials, print a downloadable coloring sheets (optional)
How to: Color and decorate stars, representing those that are inside of you! Also think about the kinds of stars you want to follow and those you hope for the world to follow. Draw your own stars or download our star templates. Have fun, create and explore!
Caring for the Common Good
Decorate Inspiring Tear-Off Posters
Browse this collection of tear-off posters encouraging your community to radiate kindness, share compliments, and more! Collect the decorated posters and hang them on community bulletin boards in your area. Youth will enjoy watching for them and noticing when the tear-off tabs start to disappear.
Books
Children’s Picture Book
- Say Something by Peter Reynolds
There are many different ways to make the world a better place. Get inspired with this simple, lyrical book.
Additional Resources
- Complete one of the big-hearted planning worksheets to kickstart a year of kindness.
- Decorate a Giving Jar together and encourage youth to collect coins for a cause.
- Check out Stars of Hope.